This is quite a long read - and yes some generalisations - but an interesting perspective. Perhaps written by a GV’er, given their exasperation with “the proposed new Nationality Law—promises made, then broken, then remade, then hedged, a masterclass in institutional ambiguity that left thousands of us in limbo.”
Also relevant for anyone thinking of suing in Portugal.
As compared to the UK where we say sorry so often it doesn’t mean much. Even the automated platform announcements say they’re sorry when a train is late 
How to Survive This Place
If you’re reading this from your crooked-tiled apartment or wondering if you can ever trust a Portuguese vet again, here’s what actually works:
Don’t demand apologies. You’ll just create antagonism. Focus on solutions instead. “Let’s figure out how to fix this” lands better than “Admit you screwed up.”
Avoid direct blame. In Portuguese professional culture, this triggers defensive mode instantly. Keep everything forward-looking.
Ask for specifics. “When exactly will this be corrected?” “Can you put the plan in writing?” Concrete commitments work better than emotional accountability.
Stay calm and formal. “Senhor Doutor, I’d appreciate your thoughts on the best path forward” beats “You have no idea what you’re doing.”
Document everything. Portuguese professionals respect paper trails. Put it in writing. Always.
Expect action, not apology. If they fix the tiles, they’ve apologized. That’s the system.
Remember: the correction IS the apology. This is hard for Anglos to internalize, but it’s essential. When your contractor quietly redoes the work without ever saying the words, he has acknowledged error in the only way his cultural programming allows.